One key to Crocs' success has been their materials. I think they were also keenly aware of how easy their product could be copied and/or have a company clone th

One key to Crocs' success has been their materials. I think they were also keenly aware of how easy their product could be copied and/or have a company clone their product especially in this post-China production world; they're just mold slippers after all. By vertically integrating their entire logistics chain they're ensuring one form of competitive advantage. Those cheap knockoffs at Target or WalMart looks the same but just quite isn't right because they don't have access to the materials manufacturer. The same strategy wouldn't work for other companies. Apple for example source so many parts it's not feasible for them to own the entire logistics chain.